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1998

By Shawn Harris

In April of 98 I was 5 years old about to turn 6, I was just learning my ABCs. Being in Kindergarten I wasn't all that aware of the NFL draft or the relevance it would have 18 years later. It was a draft that had two super star QBs, only one turned out to mean something in a positive way. A 6 foot 4 speedster from Marshall and a defensive heisman trophy winner. Which to this day is the only defensive player to win this award. It was draft full of storylines that turned into legacies and fairly tales when looking back on it.

But when you do look back on this draft you can't forget the flop of Ryan Leaf, expected to be a super star who was drafted 2nd overall to the Chargers turned into a fairy tale, a bust. Nothing but problems. Also the 21st overall pick by the Vikings, the 6 foot 4 monster athlete, Randy Moss and legacy deserves a mention. But I want to focus on the two Heisman finalists, the 1st and 4th overall picks from this draft, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson. 


This past Sunday the Raiders and Broncos squared off for the 112th time in this rivalry with the Raiders leading the all time series with 60 wins now 50 loses and 2 ties. But the headline of this game wasn't the fact Oakland hasn't beaten the manning lead Broncos ever, it wasn't the rise of second year Raider QB Derek Carr, or even the stellar Bronco defense. No it was the the two stars of the 98 draft Manning and Woodson. Both class act players and in most people's opinions first ballot Hall of Famers, in fact Raider players as quoted by QB Derek Carr " that's what we ( the Raiders ) call him, first ballot." And the same is for Manning. Statistically both are in atleast the top ten of all major stats in their own positions. Manning holds multiple. They both hold the record for most touchdowns scored on their own side of the ball. Which I find awesome that these two legends share that. Manning has a bunch more, but Woodsons defensive touchdowns are just as impressive. Both super bowl champions and defensive and offensive player of the year. But as they matched up this past Sunday... Woodson was looking for a first. That first interception off Manning. Coming into this game with 62 interceptions. Putting him 10th all time. As the half wound down, the Broncos were driving the ball hoping to take a lead into the half. As he threw the ball..boom it happened the first pick off Manning. The meaning was personal to Woodson but even more so that it sealed the 7-3 lead. Though it would happen again, Woodson picking off Manning and moving to 9th all time, Manning not throwing a touchdown pass all game long did his job just enough to get a victory. 

We have been blessed the past 18 years to watch such amazing players at their respective positions. Though both players are "decking" I find it interesting that even though their numbers are down, most likely due to age, they still compete. It's not perfect but they compete even to this day. This game on Sunday was a prime example of that. It was a nail bitter that went down to the end. But having Woodson coming up short. They say she wares you down, and it might. These two will continue to fight, it may not be 2 picks a game or 5 touchdowns a game, but it's doing their job because they both love the game. 

April 18, 1998 with the first over all pick the Indianapolis Colts select one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time. With the 4th overall pick the Oakland Raiders select one of the greatest Defensive Backs of all time. Both legends with incredible legacies. 


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